African Leaders Demand Urgent Exit of M23 Rebels from Congo
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Synopsis
During the 38th AU Summit, African leaders called for the swift withdrawal of M23 rebels from eastern DRC, emphasizing the need for dialogue and respect for the country's sovereignty amid ongoing conflict.
Key Takeaways
- African leaders demand immediate exit of M23 rebels.
- Emphasis on DRC's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
- Support for Luanda and Nairobi processes as dialogue frameworks.
- Condemnation of illegal mineral exploitation in the region.
- Call for reconciliation and dialogue among conflict parties.
Addis Ababa, Feb 17 (NationPress) Leaders from across Africa, gathered for the 38th African Union (AU) Summit, have called for the immediate withdrawal of the March 23 Movement (M23) armed faction from the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
During a press briefing on the sidelines of the AU Summit on Sunday in Addis Ababa, AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security Bankole Adeoye, stated that African leaders emphasized the need to uphold the sovereignty, political unity, and territorial integrity of the DRC.
“Our concern is profound, as echoed by the leaders regarding the situation in eastern DRC. We demand the immediate exit of the M23 and their backers from all seized towns and cities, including Goma airport in eastern DRC,” Adeoye remarked.
The Commissioner highlighted that the AU is closely monitoring the ongoing crisis and is committed to advancing the effective execution of the Luanda and Nairobi processes, as reported by the Xinhua news agency.
“It is crucial to stress that leaders at both the assembly and the peace and security council level have unanimously agreed that the Luanda and Nairobi processes serve as the optimal dialogue frameworks for all involved parties,” he added.
According to Adeoye, the continental organization condemned the unlawful exploitation of minerals and other natural resources in the area, which has exacerbated the crisis. The AU has urged all factions in the eastern DRC to pursue reconciliation and dialogue.
Recently, the M23 rebels infiltrated Bukavu, a significant city in the region, on Sunday. The armed group has made advances following its capture of the region's largest city, Goma, in late January.
Previously, the DRC government reassured citizens that it is vigilantly overseeing the situation in Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu Province, where the M23 rebels gained entry earlier in the day.
